Twelve tips to ensure internet security

Online banking fraud is on the rise and there are a number of ways you can protect your credit card and bank accounts if you transact over the internet:

• keep your computer secure and the access to it;
• don't send credit card or account details by e-mail;
• reject any email that asks you to follow a link to website and input account details for verification - even if the website looks authentic, its probably a fake replica
• make sure you log out of your online account when finished - especially at work, libraries and net cafes
• deal only with established and reputable merchants;
• only make payments to secure websites - look for the padlock symbol in the bottom-right of your browser and click for details
• if using a new site, do business first in a small way;
• check your accounts and report discrepancies immediately;
• ignore the "remember my password option" on banking and shopping sites
• change your password regularly;
• cancel any card that has been used fraudulently;
• read a company's privacy policy before buying online